Barbie is getting a digital makeover.

In partnership with a San Francisco-based startup, ToyTalk, Mattel has developed a Wi-Fi-connected Barbie that‟s able to have two-way 

conversations, play interactive games, tell stories and joke around.

The companies unveiled their prototype, called Hello Barbie, at the New York Toy Fair on February 14. Hello Barbie is expected to hit the market later this year and retail for $74.99.

Children are able to interact with the doll through a microphone and speaker located on Barbie's trendy necklace. Rechargeable batteries in her legs allow the doll to play for roughly an hour before she needs to be recharged. Hello Barbie also comes equipped with a hold-to-talk button on her belt buckle to make sure she‟s responding only to the child‟s commands.

Toy alk gives parents many controls over their child‟s interactions with the doll. For instance, parents choose which topics they don‟t want their kids discussing, and Barbie will gracefully switch the conversation away from them. At any time, privacy-minded parents can also opt to have their child‟s information deleted from Toy alk‟s databases.

Disponível no site: http://www.newsweek.com/meet-hello-barbie-wi-fi-doll-talks-children-307482. Acesso em 18 fev. 2015 (adaptado).